Sensient’s Color of the Year: Zesty Yellow

A New Age of Enlightenment 

Looking ahead, 2025 is representative of a New Age of Enlightenment. The Age of Enlightenment took place in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, sharing key parallels with consumer experiences today. Significant technological and social transformations, global exchange of ideas, and ethical debates driven by new advancements are characteristic of both eras. The Enlightenment’s legacy of challenging norms and advocating for reforms continues to shape contemporary society, highlighting the enduring relevance of its principles in our ongoing pursuit of knowledge, progress, and equality. 

Through a new Enlightenment, consumers are becoming more aware of a growing communal exhaustion. The “Great Exhaustion” is a term coined by economists observing the rising levels of burnout resulting from personal anxieties combined with stress from the state of the world in general. In short: Everyone is tired. Work is stressful, the economy is challenging, and the world seems like it has been in trouble for a long time. Consumers are in a constant state of stress with no time to recover and no clear end in sight.  

A Bright Spot on the Horizon 

The past few years have been difficult for every region and demographic around the world, as economic, social, political, and personal uncertainties intrude on everyday life. Consumers are burdened from every angle with demands on their time and energy. Considering the “Great Exhaustion” felt by so many, 2025 offers a bright spot of potential.  

Introducing Sensient’s Color of the Year 2025: Zesty Yellow, a vibrant shade of yellow symbolizing times of enlightenment after an extended period of exhaustion.  

Yellow symbolizes the uplifting light, warmth, and enthusiasm sought by those needing comfort and encouragement during and after challenging times. These timeless and enduring desires are coming to the forefront as we look ahead to 2025 with a renewed zest for life. The radiant vitality of Zesty Yellow also connects with a sense of wellbeing and health. Its vibrant, enlightening hue channels the positivity and vigor of the sun into innovation inspiration in nutraceuticals. 

The 2025 Global Nutraceutical Trends of Healthy Aging and Hormone Harmony build on the consumer desire for holistic wellbeing that has been growing in the past few years. Consumers are seeking products that support mental wellness as well as functional—but still delicious—options. Zesty Yellow represents a sense of joy and light that balances the stress and crush of the everyday. 

Read more on our 2025 Global Nutraceutical Trends here! 

This bright hue could pair with flavor profiles such as lemony citrus, bright spicy habanero, tropical pineapple, sweet butterscotch, ripe banana, and more in many different nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. At Sensient, we are excited to help you bring new concepts to life in 2025! Request a sample or a free color consultation to get started today.